Category: Sustainable Travel

Sustainability Snapshot – Chobe Safari Lodge

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A lioness stands at the water’s edge watching two buffalo wade across the Chobe River floodplain at sunset.

At Chobe Safari Lodge, sustainability isn’t a side project; it’s central to everything they do. Here’s how they’re making a difference:

🌱 Rewilding the Bush Walk

  • Over 200 indigenous trees planted along the Chobe River to protect the shoreline from erosion.
  • Native species like Sweet Thorn and Zambezi cocoa bush reintroduced to restore soil health and attract pollinators.
  • The Treetops Lookout deck built entirely from reclaimed timber.

Fresh & Local

  • An on-site bakery produces bread, pastries, and rusks daily.
  • Their in-house bottling plant filters water using reverse osmosis, cutting plastic waste and reducing food miles.

Community First

  • 99% of staff are Batswana, with over 200 local citizens employed.
  • Staff development includes extensive training and career growth opportunities.
  • Active support of ‘Learn to Play’, bringing sustainable play-based early learning to remote villages.

Conservation in Action

  • Partnership with SAFRING (University of Cape Town) on bird-ringing projects, providing critical migration and population data.
  • Aligned with Chobe Holdings’ wider eco-initiatives: solar energy, advanced waste management, and anti-poaching support.

The Takeaway
When guests stay at Chobe Safari Lodge, they’re not just enjoying world-class hospitality; they’re actively contributing to a sustainable future for Botswana’s wildlife, communities, and environment.

At Thompsons Africa, we believe that true luxury in travel is only meaningful when it supports the people, wildlife, and environments that make Africa so special. Chobe Safari Lodge’s commitment to rewilding, reducing waste, empowering local communities, and conserving biodiversity is a perfect reflection of our own sustainability ethos. By partnering with lodges like this, we ensure that every journey we offer is not only memorable for our guests but also meaningful for the future of Southern Africa.

Contact our team today to check availability and book your ideal package.
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.com
Tel: +27 31 275 3500

From Trunk to Trash: Extending the Spirit of World Elephant Day with Ele-Collection

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An African elephant grazing in the open grasslands near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

World Elephant Day may have passed on 12 August, but its message lingers long after the date itself. For us, it’s never just a single day on the calendar. It serves as a reminder to pause and honour these wise, majestic giants that shape the landscapes we love.

And now we’d like to spotlight a cause that not only honours elephants but also protects the environment: Ele-Collection, a community-powered initiative in Victoria Falls turning plastic pollution into hope.

Why Ele-Collection Speaks to the Soul of World Elephant Day

In 2021, after a deadly elephant attack in Victoria Falls, an autopsy uncovered a heartbreaking truth – the elephant’s stomach was packed with plastic. This tragic discovery revealed just how deeply plastic pollution was harming wildlife, causing sickness, disorientation, and ultimately, loss of life.

It was from that moment of tragedy that Ele-Collection was born. Their mission is simple: remove plastic waste from the environment, protect wildlife, and uplift local communities.

From Problem to Possibility

Ele-Collection’s approach is practical and inspiring:

  • Collect: They gather plastic from streets, rivers, and surrounding areas (every type of plastic from bottles to film to hard plastics).
  • Empower: Locals are paid for the plastic they collect.
  • Transform: Using a proprietary, low-emission process, the plastic is converted into a product called Plazrok, an aggregate for building. No microplastics, no toxic residue, just a second life for what was once waste.

World Elephant Day may be marked in the calendar, but the work of protecting elephants and their habitats in the days after that matter most.

Picking up a piece of plastic, supporting innovative recycling, or simply telling their story, we can all be part of a chain reaction of change.

How You Can Help

Join the Ele-Collection Tour – Visit the Thompsons Africa Customer Zone to view rates HERE

Would you like to see how plastic can become concrete, discover how it benefits communities around wildlife areas, and contributes directly to conservation? On this short, 2-hour tour in Victoria Falls, you’ll witness Ele-Collection’s groundbreaking process that transforms every piece of plastic waste—contaminated or clean—into eco-aggregate, a sustainable alternative to quarry stone and the only technology of its kind in the region.

By assigning street value to plastic, nothing is burned or dumped; instead, it provides a vital income stream to the one-third of the region’s population living on less than $1 per day, helping to reduce reliance on poaching and charcoal-driven deforestation. This is your chance to see transformation in action—and know your visit restores ecosystems and empowers local communities.

Opening hours: Daily – morning or afternoon (flexible timing)
Includes: Scheduled transfers from/to Victoria Falls Town Hotels
Child policy: No age restriction, 3–11 years pay half the adult rate, under 3s are free
Excludes: Drinks

  • Learn more about their work at elecollection.co
  • Share their story to keep the conversation going beyond World Elephant Day
  • Support initiatives in your own community that reduce waste and protect wildlife

‘Elephants never forget. Let’s make sure we never forget them—or the habitats they need to survive.’

Contact our team today to check availability and book your experience.
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.com
Tel: +27 31 275 3500

Fresh Look, More Luxury – Chobe Safari Lodge

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Evening view of Chobe Safari Lodge from across the Chobe River, with warm lights reflecting on the water and a moored river safari boat to the right.

From September 2025, the ‘new’ Chobe Safari Lodge will reveal a full upgrade:

  • Explorer River Suites – Two gorgeous, two-bedroom duplex suites with spacious lounges and river-facing balconies, perfect for honeymooners or couples who want more space and privacy.
  • Luxury River Rooms – Fully refurbished and ready by late 2025.
  • Packages from 2 – 6 nights – With discounts for longer stays (The 2 and 3 night packages work out better than nightly rates).

Activities That Sell Themselves

Every stay includes a choice of incredible activities:

  • Boat Safari
  • Game Drive (morning or afternoon)
  • Fishing
  • Quadripoint Bridge Tour
  • Spa Treatment
  • Sundowner at Treetops


Guests can also upgrade to Enhanced Activities like photographic boat safaris, scenic flights, or even swap two included activities for a Victoria Falls excursion at no extra cost in some cases!

Dining Experiences Worth the Trip Alone

  • Riverside Restaurant – Live cooking stations, themed evenings, and Botswana’s first climate-controlled salad and dessert bars with Chobe River views.
  • Sedudu Outdoor Dining – Dinner under the stars, showcasing local flavours and traditions – a truly Botswana experience.
  • Cattle Post Steak House – Premium Botswana beef paired with a fantastic wine list.
  • High Tea at the Pavilion – Complimentary daily from 1hh30pm to 17h30pm.


More Than Just a Place to Sleep

  • Explorers Lounge – A treasure trove of Botswana history and travel stories.
  • Elephant Centre – Interactive displays celebrating Africa’s giants.
  • Bush Walk & Treetops Lookout – A guided nature trail ending in panoramic floodplain views.

Sustainability in Action

From freshly baked bread and pastries to pure, filtered water from their own bottling plant, Chobe Safari Lodge is reducing food miles and waste without compromising on quality.

Read more about how Chobe Safari Lodge is making a difference HERE.

Reasons to Book

  • All rates now include park fees and bed levy.
  • Multi-night packages offer better value than nightly rates – perfect for 2+ nights.
  • Secret Season ‘Pay 3, Stay 4’ special from Dec to Mar (excl. holiday season).


Chobe Safari Lodge has transformed into a true destination, not just a gateway to Chobe National Park. With upgraded rooms, more dining and activity choices, and an effortless booking process, it’s set to become one of Botswana’s must-stay properties.

Ready to experience the new Chobe Safari Lodge for yourself?
Secure your stay now and be among the first to enjoy the upgraded suites, expanded dining options, and unforgettable activities along the Chobe River. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a luxury safari stopover, Chobe Safari Lodge is ready to welcome your guests with style.

Contact our team today to check availability and book your ideal package.
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.com
Tel: +27 31 275 3500

Doing More With Purpose: Supporting South Africa’s Youngest Citizens on Mandela Day

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Mandela Day 2025 logo by the DoMore Foundation with the slogan "Change Starts with Play" featuring a cloud, sun, and stylized Earth.

At Thompsons Africa, giving back is not just a once-off campaign — it’s a cornerstone of our commitment to Travel With Purpose. This Mandela Day, we proudly partnered with the DoMore Foundation for their 67 Minutes Campaign, joining hands with fellow colleagues from Cullinan Holdings to make a tangible impact on early childhood development in South Africa.

Packing Climate Play Packs for Future Changemakers

In honour of Mandela Day on 18 July, a team of 10 staff members from Thompsons Africa and Cullinan Holdings spent time at the RCL Foods headquarters in KwaZulu-Natal, where the DoMore Foundation is based. Our task: to help assemble Climate Play Packs — fun, engaging toolkits designed to teach children aged 2 to 5 about seasons, weather patterns, and climate change in a positive, age-appropriate way.

Each play pack includes interactive activities and physical learning materials that will be distributed to ECD (Early Childhood Development) centres supported by the Foundation across the country. We were honoured to be part of building these packs from the ground up, knowing they will help spark curiosity and environmental awareness in the youngest members of our communities.

Supporting Nutritional Programmes That Change Lives

Our support of the DoMore Foundation began last year with a R10,000 donation to their DoMore Porridge programme, which helped feed five children a daily nutritious meal for an entire year — a small act with a significant impact. This year, we contributed R5,000 toward the Foundation’s Mandela Day initiative, enabling our participation in this inspiring event and reinforcing our commitment to giving back. The DoMore Porridge programme remains close to our hearts, and we look forward to exploring ways to support it again this year.

Strengthening Partnerships That Matter

We are proud to stand alongside organisations like the DoMore Foundation, whose work directly supports young children and their communities in lasting, transformative ways. As part of our Travel With Purpose journey, we hope to continue and strengthen our work with the Foundation, supporting initiatives that align with our values and help build a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Because when we Travel with Purpose, we all do more.

World Turtle Day: A Symbol of Purposeful Travel

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A baby loggerhead turtle crawling over rocky sand toward the ocean

Every year on May 23rd, World Turtle Day shines a spotlight on the plight of turtles and tortoises across the globe. This day, launched by the American Tortoise Rescue in 2000, is dedicated to raising awareness about these ancient creatures, their rapidly vanishing habitats, and the urgent need for conservation.

Southern Africa is home to several turtle species, including the endangered Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles, which nest along the pristine shores of KwaZulu-Natal. These majestic reptiles have traversed our oceans for over 100 million years, but today face unprecedented threats — from plastic pollution and coastal development to climate change and illegal trade.

Why World Turtle Day Matters

World Turtle Day isn’t just about turtles — it’s about protecting the delicate balance of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Turtles are keystone species: their survival affects everything from seagrass health to jellyfish populations. Their wellbeing is a mirror reflecting the overall health of our planet.

At Thompsons Africa, this aligns deeply with our ‘Travel with Purpose’ strategy. As custodians of unforgettable African experiences, we recognise our responsibility to protect the environment and wildlife that make this continent magical. We believe in travel that sustains, educates, and uplifts — and we actively support initiatives that preserve biodiversity and promote ethical wildlife tourism.

Our Commitment in Action

Whether it’s choosing eco-certified accommodation, promoting marine conservation tours, or guiding guests to tread gently in fragile habitats, we embed purpose in every itinerary. By raising awareness of endangered species like turtles, we invite our guests to become partners in protection, turning their journeys into opportunities for positive impact.

On this World Turtle Day, remember that every travel choice has a ripple effect. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit not just stories, but thriving oceans, wild beaches, and turtles still gliding through them.

Our St Lucia Turtle Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent animals when they come onto the beach to lay their eggs (operates November to March annually).

Spend an evening with us searching for the enormous and extremely endangered Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles, when they come onto the beach to lay their eggs.  This unique and fascinating tour enters the reserve either in the afternoon or evening (depending on low tide). The tour departs from St Lucia and starts with a game drive through the Eastern Shores Game Reserve.  At Cape Vidal drive onto a pristine beach where the search for turtle begins, driving up the beach for 25 km to Leven Point.  From there is an opportunity to walk further up to the beach.  A light meal is served during the evening.  Once off the beach, game drive back to St Lucia using a spotlight searching for nocturnal animals.  Animals such as rhino, buffalo, leopard and many others may be seen.

Departs Daily on request from 16h30
Duration 6 – 7 Hours
(Operates Nov – Mar only)

YOUR EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Evening beach drive and walk
  • Leatherback and Loggerhead viewing
  • Evening game drive through Eastern Shores Game Reserve
  • Snacks and refreshments
Enquire

THOMPSONS AFRICA

20 The Boulevard
West End Business Park
Westville, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa

Tel: +27 31 275 3500
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.com

How travel contributes to conservation and community

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Thandi the white rhino walking with her calf across the grasslands of Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa

Did you know that when you travel and stay at an African lodge, you are directly contributing to the support of both wildlife and local communities?

Conservation and park fees pay for the efforts behind conserving our wildlife as well as all anti-poaching efforts. Without guests, no revenue for these initiatives can be generated. The lack of travellers to our shores puts our wildlife at great risk of decimation by poaching – either for money or for subsistence.

Tourism also supports local communities with many individuals employed by the camps and lodges. In addition, many properties support local empowerment programmes in the neighboring villages thereby supporting and uplifting communities. This is a key incentive for guests who have an interest in ensuring that their travels sustain the future of the destinations they travel to.

All of the lodges we partner with offer an opportunity for guests to contribute towards wildlife and community. In cities, most hotels and smaller establishments have similar programmes in place to support their local communities.

Kariega Game Reserve

The Kariega Foundation is fuelled by a community and conservation levy paid by adult guests visiting Kariega Game Reserve, making all safari guests and the Kariega Game Reserve owners, management and staff their valued partners and supporters.

Through its efforts, the Kariega Foundation is able to actively participate in Community Upliftment, including a food relief project, enterprise development, education and youth development projects. Wildlife Conservation is supported through its current projects which are a Save the Rhino fund, Endemic and Scare Species Research, an African Barred Owlet project and an Alien and Indigenous Plant Management project.

A stay at South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Kariega Game Reserve means you are directly contributing to the future of our wildlife and people.

If you’ve never watched the incredible story of Thandi (a rhino who survived a serious poaching incident), grab your tissues now. It is Thandi’s story which inspired Kariega’s Save the Rhino initiative in March 2012.

The Dulini Collection

Dulini Collection sundowners

Through its non-profit esiDulini Community Trust, the Dulini Collection strives to make a difference in the lives of its surrounding communities. Through its projects, their aim is to make a meaningful difference through educational outreach that realises individual potential and community growth. Their current projects Project Dignity, Dumphries Digital Learning Centre and Hlayisekani Nursing Home.

Project Dignity is designed to empower pubescent school girls from impoverished, rural backgrounds, to complete their education by equipping them with basic sanitary wear. For less than  $20, you can give a girl the dignity to stay in school when puberty sets in.

Project Dignity

If you’d like to learn more about these or any other property who actively makes a difference in either conservation or community or both, contact us now.

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us

Widely spaced and private stays.

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A private safari vehicle exploring the vast red-sand wilderness of Tswalu Kalahari in South Africa's Northern Cape

In Southern Africa, most lodges and camps offer secluded, private accommodation. Well spaced guest areas ensure comfortable, secluded and private experiences. Suites and facilities are generously spaced for guest comfort, peace of mind and to accommodate limited social contact. Most safari experiences allow for just six guests (where possible) on a safari vehicle.

Tswalu Kalahari guarantees absolute privacy.

The word ‘Tswalu’ means ‘a new beginning’ and Tswalu Kalahari is driven by two ambitions: to create an inspirational experience for its guests; and a conservation vision, to restore the Kalahari to itself.  These two goals sit in perfect equilibrium with each guest contributing directly to the sustainability of the reserve in a true model of eco-tourism.

Tswalu Kalahari picnic

If you are in search of rarity, adventure, privacy and inspirational travel, then this extraordinary property provides all of these and more.

Tswalu Tarkuni private sala

Tswalu offers superlative game and sightings of some of South Africa’s rarest and most extraordinary wildlife, including black-maned Kalahari lions, desert black rhino, cheetah, meerkats, pangolin, aardvark, aardwolf and African wild dogs. 

Tswalu habituated meerkat

Guests will be allocated their own private game vehicle, guide and tracker to enjoy a completely flexible itinerary. There are no fixed schedules or time limits. Guests get to experience Tswalu Kalahari the way they want to. A variety of interactive safari experiences are offered to explore this vast malaria free wilderness and include tracking wildlife on foot, on horseback, by helicopter or in a 4×4 Land Rover. Guests can also choose to spend time with a researcher understanding more about the conservation work conducted by these professionals and supported by the Tswalu Foundation whose primary purpose is to support ecological research at Tswalu.

Private game drive experience
Walking safari

We spoke to a guest who stayed at Tswalu Kalahari recently and she had the following to say:

Tswalu Kalahari is so much more than just the meerkats. It is probably the most unique safari experience that this country offers. The terrain and colours are iridescent and with space being the new luxury – this property ticks all the boxes. This is Big Sky country, this is pangolin, aardwolf, brown hyena AND meerkat country. I really appreciated the flexibility and ease with which everything is operated. Everything is ‘in your own time’ – our game drives started at 19h00… we were desperate to see pangolin! The trackers and rangers work so hard to find animals in this vast landscape – the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa.

It also an opportunity to see the magnificent black maned lions of the Kalahari – these are huge animals and they definitely walk with ownership over this vast and magnificent land.

Of course food is an integral part of this experience and with Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen at the helm, the food is sublime, delicious and simple. Servings are just the right amount but temping enough to leave you wanting more…..knowing that you shouldn’t of course! This experience is on that should not be missed. If this is not on your bucket list – it certainly should be.

Guest at Tswalu Kalahari
Guests’ personal pictures

Health and Safety Protocols

Its no surprise that guest and staff health and safety would be a priority at Tswalu Kalahari. Their stringent and practical health protocols will ensure guests feel they are in a safe environment where global best practices have been implemented. Read more about these measures.

Ultimate Luxury in the Kalahari

Enjoy a four night experience at Tswalu Kalahari including flights to and from the private owned game reserve in the Northern Cape.

Watch – Tswalu is a vast, magical land of infinite possibility, with sweeping vistas and a liberating sense of space.

If you’d like to learn more about Tswalu Kalahari or to make a booking, get in touch with us now.

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us

International Hyena Day – 27 April

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A hyena and a group of vultures feeding on a carcass at sunset on the African savanna

Hyenas are often portrayed negatively, but they are actually powerful and skilled hunters, play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. This International Hyena Day, learn more about the important role hyenas play in their habitats.

Hyenas: Nature’s Unsung Heroes

Hyenas definitely get a bad rap! So often perceived as cowards who just scavenge off more noble predators, they are way more fascinating than how myth and folklore have painted them. They play a vital role in keeping ecosystems healthy and thriving.

Scavengers? YES!

Yes, hyenas scavenge—but that’s only part of their story. They are also skilled hunters, able to take down prey as large as wildebeest and zebra. Using their complex social structures, they can catch as much as 95% of their food. They are smart, know the importance of teamwork, and have remarkable endurance.

Clean Up Crew

If you need a good clean-up crew, your local ‘cackle of hyenas’ is your best bet! Their powerful jaws can crush bone and hooves. This doesn’t just prevent waste; it also stops the spread of disease. Without them, the wild would be littered with decaying remains, which could attract harmful bacteria and parasites.

By keeping herbivore populations in check, hyenas help maintain the delicate ecosystem balance. Without predators like hyenas, plant life could be overgrazed, leading to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. Their presence ensures that Africa’s landscapes remain rich and diverse.

Myth or Fact?

Yes, they may look strange with their hunched postures and eerie calls but no, hyenas are not capable of performing withcraft. No, they are not hermaphrodites. No, they are not symbols of misfortune or treachery.

Why International Hyena Day Matters

International Hyena Day gives us a platform to appreciate these animals for their resilience, adaptability, and the critical role they play in the wild. Spread awareness. Challenge outdated perceptions.

Our featured property Madikwe Safari Lodge shares the following, ‘When you visit Madikwe Game Reserve, be prepared for an unparalleled wildlife experience. Safari tours offer visitors the chance to spot these distinctive hyenas and to learn about their unique behaviours from experienced guides.

The dry season, from May to August, is considered the best time for hyena sightings, as the sparse vegetation increases visibility. Madikwe also prides itself on maintaining a responsible tourism ethos. Visitors are encouraged to respect the animals’ space and observe all guidelines to ensure the safety and conservation of the wildlife.

Hosting three of Africa’s four hyena species (the fourth being the Striped Hyena – found in Ethiopia), Madikwe Game Reserve stands as a testament to South Africa’s commitment to biodiversity and conservation. This park, steeped in geographical splendour, offers a unique safari experience – a chance to delve into the complex world of hyenas and contribute to their conservation.

Your encounter with Africa’s hyena trifecta in Madikwe promises to be a captivating and enriching adventure.’

https://madikwesafarilodge.co.za/marvel-at-africas-hyena-trifecta-in-madikwe-game-reserve/

See more about our featured property Madikwe Safari Lodge HERE.

For exclusive reservations or to learn more about this exceptional property, connect with Thompsons Africa at info@thompsonsafrica.co.za or reach out to your dedicated Thompsons Africa consultant.

THOMPSONS AFRICA

20 The Boulevard
West End Business Park
Westville, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa

Tel: +27 31 275 3500
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.com